Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson admits defeat at Chelsea was tough to take.

A final minute penalty converted by Noni Madueke proved the winner as Chelsea won 2-1 on the night.

Hodgson said: "I think the team's performance meant it was a tough pill to swallow.

"When it's taken away from you by a referee in a studio somewhere makes it even harder. It's one of those situations where I can understand a penalty can be given. This is football life. I accept it. We're wasting our time talking about it. Every time there is a decision that can be questioned it is questioned.

"Throughout the 90 minutes I didn't think for one moment we were inferior. So I was very pleased with the performance. We're near the bottom of table but the fact is we have had a difficult run of games.

"That's the way it is. As far as I am concerned there are 38 games in a season and we've played half of them. Are we good enough? Do we have good enough players? I have every confidence the team will get victories. At this moment in time it's tough."